S.J. delays decision on winery market proposal

STOCKTON - The battle between the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation and the Viaggio Winery about the operation of an agricultural market and deli will go on for another month.

Keith Reid

STOCKTON - The battle between the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation and the Viaggio Winery about the operation of an agricultural market and deli will go on for another month.

New owners of the Viaggio, a sprawling 23-acre resort-style winery on the Mokelumne River in Acampo, have applied for a permit to open a second primary use for the businesses: a store to sell produce and a 500-square-foot area that can sell pre-packaged or freshly prepared food.

That application was approved by the County Planning Commission as a legitimate use under current ordinance in October but has now been brought to the Board of Supervisors on appeal by the farm bureau.

The farm bureau has objected to the application, calling the proposed agricultural store and deli a restaurant. Restaurants are not allowed on ag land under county ordinance and would be in violation of the Williams Act, which protects agriculturally zoned land from urban uses, farm bureau manager Bruce Blodgett said.

After two hours of discussion Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors granted Viaggio attorney Steve Herum an extension on the matter and will allow his clients to draw up a more specific plan about what they want to do in an agriculture store and deli space. Viaggio owners Terri and Larry Lawrence say they aren't planning a restaurant, just a place to sell produce and a few other food items.

"I think that will reduce any angst that is out there," Herum said.

Terri Lawrence told supervisors Tuesday that she has an "abundance of produce" on her land and would like to sell it instead of throwing away what she can't personally eat and give away to friends. She added that she'd like to do things like bake and sell apple pies and freshly pressed olive oil.

Blodgett told supervisors on Tuesday that he worries that allowing the Viaggio to open a food service establishment is setting a bad precedent on county farm land. The Viaggio is seeking a permit allowing a 12-hour a day operation 365 days a year.